Really Japanese, Northern Tohoku Region Folk Culture Experience Tour

Due to its geographical location, the northern Tohoku region of Japan (Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Akita Prefecture) is covered with snow in winter, offering many unique winter travel experiences. However, the northern Tohoku region is also worth exploring in summer. For example, a summer folk experience tour! ⭕ Aomori Nebuta Festival Lantern Parade The Aomori Nebuta Festival is arguably the most popular festival event in the entire northern Tohoku region. Every year from August 2nd to August 7th, a grand parade of giant Nebuta lanterns inspired by Sengoku warlords, historical stories, and more is held. You can join the parade dressed in the 'Haneto' costume, dancing and jumping to the chants, and personally experience the grand and lively festival atmosphere. ⭕ Aomori Nebuta Festival Lantern Sea Parade & Fireworks Display On the night of August 7th, the winning lanterns are paraded on boats, accompanied by a grand fireworks display. The colorful lanterns and over 10,000 fireworks create a spectacular scene that is a must-experience in life! ⭕ Wa Rasse Nebuta House If you can't make it to the Nebuta Festival, Wa Rasse Nebuta House is a great place to learn about and experience the festival. Here, you can learn about the making of Nebuta lanterns, join the 'Haneto' experience, and purchase various Nebuta Festival merchandise. ⭕ Namahage Museum The Namahage culture is unique to the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. Every New Year's Eve (December 31st), Namahage demons come down from the mountains to visit residents' homes, inquiring about the past year's household affairs, crop yields, the health of the elderly, whether family members have worked hard, and whether children have studied diligently. The ultimate goal is to bless everyone with a smooth new year. At the Namahage Museum, you can watch Namahage performances and personally experience the unique charm of this culture. ⭕ Namahage Museum Next to the Namahage Museum is another building where you can learn in detail about the origins and development of this culture, view various Namahage masks, watch Namahage documentaries, and even put on a mask to become a 'Namahage' yourself. Of course, there are also many cute and unique souvenir items to take home. ⭕ Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center The Kanto Festival is one of the important summer festivals in Akita Prefecture and one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. Every year from August 3rd to 6th, skilled pole handlers parade with bamboo poles adorned with lanterns, using their hands, heads, shoulders, and waists to balance them. The largest poles are 12 meters long, weigh 50 kilograms, and have 46 lanterns hanging from them. At the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center, you can not only learn about the festival but also try balancing the poles yourself, which is very interesting.